Aerial View of Lake Goldsmith, with the Steam Rally site in the foreground.
Lake Goldsmith was formed as a result of volcanic activity between 100,000 and 500,000 years ago, where intersecting lava flows blocked previous water courses.
Stockyard Hill, which is the largest rise that can be seen to the south west of Lake Goldsmith, is the largest single volcano in the immediate area, however you can see several other gentle volcanic rises surrounding the lake that were most likely involved in the formation of the lake.
The lake itself is quite large (over 820 hectares) but very shallow.
The distinctive feature of Lake Goldsmith is that there is no direct inflow or outflow creek as a result of the lava flows, therefore it relies on the immediate catchment from the surrounding hills in order to fill with water. More often than not, the lake dries up completely, particularly after a bout of prolonged dry weather. It filled to capacity after the floods of January 2011, and also after the significant rains in October 2016.
Water in Lake Goldsmith – October 2016
A wildlife reserve surrounds part of the lake and includes native grasslands and trees, providing a habitat for duck and bird life.